Wireless Pool Equipment Monitoring for Low-Wiring Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pool and spa equipment control systems are costly to install and maintain, and lack connectivity and diagnostic capabilities, leading to inefficient monitoring and control, often requiring professional intervention for improper installations and malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A network connectivity and remote monitoring system that uses Internet-of-Things functionality, including sensors and smart switches, to provide real-time data and diagnostic reports for pool and spa equipment, allowing for remote control and optimization without the need for extensive electrical installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical conduit installations are used to provide power and control signals to pool equipment, then reliable power supply and control are achieved, but installation costs and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical conduit system with a wireless communication system. Controllers in pool equipment communicate with the control system via wireless signals (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular), eliminating the need for extensive electrical wiring while maintaining control functionality. This substitution reduces installation complexity and costs while preserving system reliability through redundant communication paths and protocols.
2Ease of operation
If electronic pool controllers are installed at equipment pads with wired communication to cloud servers, then remote monitoring and control capabilities are achieved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional controllers that can operate in multiple modes: standalone local control, wireless mesh network communication, and cloud connectivity. This universality allows the system to provide remote monitoring and control capabilities while adapting to different installation scenarios, reducing the need for expensive dedicated infrastructure and lowering overall installation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication protocols and protocols as intermediaries between controllers and cloud servers, eliminating the need for direct wired connections. This intermediary layer enables remote access and monitoring through existing wireless infrastructure (home WiFi, cellular networks), significantly reducing installation and maintenance costs while preserving full remote control functionality.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and monitoring devices are installed at equipment pads, then equipment status monitoring is achieved, but diagnostic capabilities and connectivity remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor equipment parameters (temperature, pressure, flow rate, motor current) and transmit this data through wireless communication to controllers and cloud-based diagnostic systems. The system provides real-time feedback on equipment status and sends alerts when parameters exceed thresholds, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing information loss about equipment conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions monitoring from a single location (equipment pad) to multiple dimensions: local wireless transmission from distributed sensors throughout the pool system, mesh network relay nodes at various locations, and cloud-based centralized monitoring. This multi-dimensional approach ensures comprehensive coverage and maintains diagnostic information availability even if individual communication paths fail.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing network connectivity and remote monitoring, optimization, and control of pool/spa equipment are provided. “Internet-of-Things” (IoT) functionality is provided for pool and spa equipment in a flexible and cost-effective manner. Network connectivity and remote monitoring/control of pool and spa equipment is provided by various components such as a network communication and local control subsystem installed in pool/spa equipment, and other components. Also disclosed are various control processes (“pool logic”) which can be embodied as software code installed in any of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.